Wellness Policy Coming Soon

BARBADOS:  National Policy on Wellness is on its way.
This was revealed recently by Minister of Labour, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, at a seminar to mark World Health and Safety Day entitled: Workplace Stress: A Collective Challenge.

The seminar, which was held at the Barbados Workers’ Union, was a collaborative effort between the Barbados Workers’ Union, the Barbados Employers’ Confederation and the Labour Department.
Senator Byer Suckoo, noted that such a policy “would indeed be welcomed”, as it had the potential to be an important component in enabling individuals, organisations and the society at large to effectively grapple with the challenges associated with workplace stress.
According to the Labour Minister, work began on the development of the wellness policy during the recently held Week of Excellence. “This Wellness Policy is intended to be all-embracing, and will include chapters on issues such as occupational safety and health, mental health, vector control, non-communicable diseases, and HIV and AIDS, all of which impact on the workforce,” she explained.
Dr. Byer Suckoo also highlighted the benefits of well-developed wellness programmes at an organisational level. “Organisations which have well-developed wellness programmes; appropriately trained managers; informed trade union representatives and employees in place, have seen increased productivity; healthier eating menus at staff cafeterias; improved “culture of care” among staff; improved camaraderie among staff; and an improved industrial relations climate in the workplace,” she stated.
While speaking to participants of the seminar, the Senator urged them to participate fully, as their contribution would play a critical role in not only crafting the National Policy on Wellness, but also in its implementation. The workshop comprised 62 persons from both the private and public sectors.
jamal.weekes@barbados.gov.bb